The History of the Pinhole

The pinhole technique offers one of the most authentic ways to capture photographic images. This method follows the camera obscura principle, which has been known for centuries. At its core, it’s a simple process: instead of a traditional lens, a lightproof box with a tiny hole in one side allows light to enter and form an image. Light passes through the pinhole, forming an upside-down image on the opposite side of the box. Placing light-sensitive material there and developing it preserves the image.

Ancient Origins of the Pinhole

The principle of this technique has existed for thousands of years, long before the invention of photography in 1839.

• 4th Century BC: Aristotle first observed how light passing through a small gap between tree leaves created a perfect image of the sun on the ground. However, he couldn’t explain why.

• 13th and 14th Century: Scientists experimented with this principle to study solar eclipses and the nature of light.

• 15th Century: Artists used the technique as an aid for creating accurate drawings.

Leonardo da Vinci’s Contribution

Leonardo da Vinci was among the first to explore the idea of using a box to project an image. He described how an image could appear on a transparent screen, allowing an artist to trace it from the outside. However, the camera obscura concept only truly began to develop in the 16th century.

Early Astronomers and the Camera Obscura

Although lenses existed at the time, scientists continued to use the pinhole principle to study the sun. Early astronomers often looked directly through pinhole telescopes, which often resulted in blindness due to prolonged exposure to bright sunlight. To protect their eyes, they started using the camera obscura, a darkroom where an image was projected onto a surface, allowing them to study the sun safely.

From Science to Art

By the 18th century, the camera obscura had gained widespread popularity. Travellers carried portable versions to trace landscapes and scenes during their journeys. These early ‘snapshots’ became keepsakes in travel books as souvenirs. Those without their own cameras visited permanent camera rooms, where rotating mirrors projected images onto a white table.

One of the best-preserved examples can still be visited today in Edinburgh, where a permanent camera room offers a truly magical experience. The camera obscura remained popular until the official invention of photography in 1839. From that point on, artists no longer needed to trace images manually, and the pinhole principle was largely forgotten.

The Onion Field: A Turning Point

For decades, the technique faded into obscurity until one photograph changed everything. In 1890 George Davison’s photograph The Onion Field reignited interest in pinhole photography. The image won the highest prize at the annual exhibition of the Photographic Society in London, proving that this technique could produce artistic and compelling images.

The Decline of Pinhole Photography

For several years, photographers experimented with pinhole cameras, but by the 20th century, faster, mass-produced photographic equipment pushed the technique aside. Many saw pinhole photography as outdated and impractical. Eventually, educators primarily used the method to teach the basics of photography.

Between 1940 and 1960, interest in pinhole photography nearly disappeared.

A New Wave of Interest

However, the 1960s marked a turning point. Artists rediscovered the pinhole camera, experimenting with its unique visual effects. Today, photographers and artists continue to explore this historical technique, keeping it alive in the creative world.

Modern Adaptations

American companies also contributed to its revival by producing pinhole cameras and special pinhole discs that could replace traditional lenses. Throughout the 20th century, the popularity of the pinhole camera declined. Many photographers viewed it as inferior to modern equipment, as the industry prioritized speed and mass production. Eventually, the pinhole technique was mainly used in photography classes to demonstrate the fundamental optical principles.

Between 1940 and 1960, interest in the technique nearly vanished again. Yet from the 1960s onward, artists periodically revived pinhole photography. Today, its simplicity and connection to photography’s origins continue to inspire creative exploration.

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